BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT ADVISES PROPERTY OWNERS, BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONARY STEPS IN PREPARATION OF HIGH WINDS

Wind gusts up to 28 mph are forecasted for Wednesday night for the New York City region. Forecasts indicate wind gusts will increase up to 40 mph on Thursday and into Friday morning with gusts up to 28 mph on Friday night. In preparation for the windy weather, the Buildings Department is reminding all builders, contractors, and property owners to secure their construction sites and buildings. The Buildings Department will be performing random spot-check inspections of construction sites around the city. If construction sites are not safely secured in preparation for the inclement weather, the Department will take immediate enforcement action with the issuance of violations and Stop Work Orders, if necessary.

“The Buildings Department will have zero tolerance for builders, contractors, and property owners who fail to take appropriate measures to secure their construction sites and buildings,” said Buildings Commissioner Patricia Lancaster.

These gusts of high winds may reach higher wind speeds than forecast depending on the area of New York City. Property owners must consider the safety of their buildings and construction sites, cranes, suspended and supported scaffolding, and any other building appurtenances that may come loose from exposure to high winds. Structures that have been subject to deferred maintenance or are in delicate condition could be at greater risk. The Buildings Department strongly suggests consulting a professional to advise how to safely secure construction sites and buildings.

To secure construction sites, builders, contractors and developers should take all precautionary measures including but not limited to the following:

Tie down and secure material and loose debris at construction sites.

Cover electrical equipment from exposure to the weather.

Store loose tools, oil cans and extra fuses in a tool box.

Secure netting and scaffolding.

Suspend crane operations and secure crane equipment.

Secure exterior construction elevators.

Brace and secure construction fences.

Call 9-1-1 if there is an emergency on a construction site.

To secure a building, property owners should take all precautionary measures including but not limited to the following:

Anchor objects that would be unsafe inside, such as gas grills or propane tanks.

Close up and secure patio umbrellas.

Secure retractable awnings.

Remove aerial antennas and satellite television dishes.

New Yorkers are encouraged to call 3-1-1 to report non-compliant conditions or 9-1-1 to report emergencies at construction sites or buildings. New Yorkers who suspect a building or property has been structurally compromised should call 9-1-1.

Under §27-127 of the Administrative Code of the City of New York, property owners are legally obligated to maintain their properties in a safe condition. Buildings Department weather advisories are strictly a courtesy to remind property owners to prepare their properties for inclement weather and cannot be read to suggest that the Department, rather than the property owner, is responsible for maintaining his or her property.